How to Get Glowing Skin from the Inside Out

Beautiful, healthy, glowing skin – is there anyone who doesn’t want that? A balanced complexion isn’t just beautiful, it can also signify the state of your health, youthfulness, even your happiness or stress level. Of course, these messages are happening on a subconscious level, but they are so pervasively accepted, that taking care of your skin is a drive that’s become a billion dollar industry – all working from the outside in, and not always working well at all.

Achieving truly healthy skin isn’t as simple as buying fancy creams and committing to invasive procedures. In fact, the key to getting what you want on the outside isn’t on the outside at all! Getting the healthy happy skin you’ve always wanted starts by focusing on the inside out!

Our skin is our largest organ and its health is endangered all the time. Between exposure to the elements, stress, pollution, poor nutrition, and of course, natural aging, our skin is constantly fighting for its health.

So how can we maintain healthy, glowing skin when the odds are stacked against us?

By giving our skin the attention and care it so rightly deserves.

Reduce inflammatory foods

Inflammation isn’t just the root of disease, it can also be the root of many skin ailments including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more. Just as reducing inflammatory foods can positively affect your other systems, the effect of reducing inflammatory foods can be read on the surface of your skin! Try removing common inflammatory foods for at least 4 weeks to start to see an improvement in your skin’s health.

Remove these Inflammatory Foods

Eat these Foods that Fight Inflammation

Gluten & Wheat products

Dairy (particularly cow’s milk and cheese)

Corn

Soy

Refined sugar

Processed foods and beverages

‘Junk’ food

‘Fast’ food

Dark, leafy greens

Tomatoes

Berries

Fatty fish

Olive, avocado, and coconut oil

Green Tea

Water

Probiotics

Increase your water intake

We know that water is essential to helping our bodies function best, but did you know that it is the best way to ensure that nutrients are delivered effectively, and toxins are flushed out? Especially if you’re experiencing skin conditions, it’s important to make sure that you’re helping your body to rid itself of toxic residues and components that could be causing these symptoms.

Make sure you’re getting enough hydration every day by eating and drinking adequate amounts (remember there’s water present in everything you eat and drink, especially if you’re juicing or consuming lots of fruit and veggies) and drink water whenever you feel a thirst coming on. In spite of the classic “8, 8-ounce glasses” per day advice, there’s really no magic amount of water everyone needs to consume per day to stay hydrated. But, new research suggests that women could safely consume a total of approximately 2.7 litres (91 ounces) of water from all beverages and foods each day and that men could safely drink about 3.7 litres (125 ounces) daily.

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

If you thought acupuncture was only for the body, think again! Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture is a natural alternative to Botox which works with the meridians to release congestion in the skin, and increase circulation and collagen production. Incredibly, facial acupuncture can also help to reduce fine line and wrinkles and other signs of ageing around the eyes and forehead, tighten sagging skin, and can even out paleness and redness. Sometimes known as ‘cosmetic acupuncture,’ it’s a fantastic alternative to the common injectables that have become so popular in anti-aging.

Collagen

Most of us are deficient in collagen! Daily collagen consumption will help to maintain internal collagen levels. Try bone broth soup made with high collagen base like chicken feet, or some collagen powder in your smoothie!

Hyaluronic Acid

As much as we can influence our skin health from the inside out, you can – and you should – also take care of your largest organ from the outside in. That way you can meet in the middle, so to speak. Hyaluronic acid is an incredible hydrophilic (water-loving) chemical that is found naturally in our bodies, particularly in our eyes and joints. It’s moisturizing, hydrating properties are why it’s so often used to treat arthritis, cataracts, and even dry eyes. Because of this, hyaluronic acid is also an amazing ingredient for healthy, supple skin. Here’s why:

As we age, our skin’s ability to preserve moisture slows down, and we start to lose firmness, elasticity, and fullness. Hyaluronic acid has an incredible ability to replenish the moisture we lose, helping skin to look and feel softer, smoother, and glowy because of is super hydration effects.

One of the most studied and proven skin care ingredients, you can find many topical skin care products and anti-aging treatments that feature hyaluronic acid. Along with wearing a suitable SPF, topical hyaluronic acid is a fantastic way to heal your skin from the outside in while you increase your glowing health from the inside out.

Skin Care

While it’s important to have a good skincare regime, it’s also important to know what’s in the products you put on your face. Seek out quality ingredients that will enhance your health not add toxic burden to your system. We like organic skin care lines like Ilya, Eminence, Consonant, Carina Organics, Adeeva, and Canadian Brands like Buck Naked, and Living Libations. There are lots of good natural care products for your skin, please choose wisely.

Now that you’re ready to take care of your largest organ from the inside out and the outside in, there’s one more thing – and that’s enjoying the self-care process of maintaining beautiful, healthy skin! After all, skin care should be pampering as well as effective. Here’s one of our favourite DIY masks to help you on your journey to your most healthy skin:

Located on Yonge Street in Toronto, The Movement Boutique serves the areas of Summerhill, Rosedale and Yorkdale with Functional Medicine, Chiropractors, Pilates and more. Our philosophy is centred on a holistic, multimodal approach to health, grounded in the latest therapeutic techniques and clinical research. Our approach: Optimal health cannot be attained through a single therapeutic lens; injuries are often the result of a constellation of lifestyle issues, including dysfunctional movement patterns, trauma, nutritional deficiencies or destructive habits of mind.